The International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) Day should not just be about picking up litter along coastlines, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The DILG says that local government units (LGUs) and volunteers are also encouraged to help in efforts to identify and record the rubbish collected for analysis by pollution specialists.
Information from the data analysis will determine the effects specific materials have on the ocean habitat, and in identifying the best remedies and advocacies to counter water pollution.
According to the DILG, the data that volunteers will write down are relevant contributions in ensuring that our children will have their fair share of clean and healthy ocean, river or lake in the future.
In a directive, the DILG says LGUs may register at the Ocean Conservancy website (https://sites.google.com/site/iccphilippines/home) or may send Ocean Conservancy an email to signify their interest to join and to request for a formal invitation to the ICC event.
LGUs may also browse through the Ocean Conservancy website to learn more about ICC, how to organize a clean-up and, how to record trash data. They may likewise organize a network of volunteers and may start with their own orientation using the slideshows and other information downloadable at the website.
Moreover, LGUs are to submit through email the list of members who will be participating as early as possible or two weeks before ICC Day for area assignment.
In selecting a clean-up area, DILG urges LGUs to coordinate with the Provincial/City Environmental Office, any civic action group, academic institutions and diving group who will be participating in the ICC.
Some clean-up sites, together with the ones in Metro Manila, are listed on the Ocean Conservancy website.
The DILG also directs its regional offices to monitor the conduct of clean-up activities in their respective localities and ensure the active participation of their constituents; make certain that LGUs accomplish and submit the Ocean Trash Data form to ICC Philippines; and to participate in the conduct of clean ups and proper recording and submission of data to ICC Philippines.
ICC Day is a worldwide event set every third Saturday and Sunday of September simultaneously held and coordinated globally to enlist support from thousands of volunteers to participate in the clearing of coastlines, rivers and lakes. (DILG)
